Fat Girl Dilemma

Take a look at the horse and make sure she has no glaring conformation flaws that will make weight carrying difficult. Typically, baring any conformational issues, a fjord would be able to carry a person your size no problem.

I've seen pictures of her, and she looks solid. No leg or soundness issues, ever with this owner, and she's never had any health issues either from what they're telling me.

Basically, I just want to head out there and have a look at her in person and see what the owners think.

But from all the feedback, I'd say I've got a fighting chance! :)

If the pony is a fjord, I see absolutely NO problems what so ever! 14.3 really isnt THAT little, and they sure are stout little boogers. They certainly will be able to carry the weight, no problems.

Our horses are between 14.1 and 15.1 hands, and my mom at her heaviest, never had any problems with any of them. She was around your weight then...and she's only 5'3". She even rode my 13.3 POA once when we traded horses on the absolute worst trail ride of my life...and he didnt have any problems.

Go for it...really!
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Thanks for the positive feedback!

The owner assured me that the mare has packed around heavier riders than me, so I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship :)

Fjords are known for being stocky and nice and short backed - a lot of my readers actually enjoy fjords or halflingers as their breed of choice.

As far as making a name for yourself as a bigger rider - let your results and your "products" so to speak, speak for themselves. If the client is bothered by the fact that you are a larger rider (realistically, you may not be an appropriate rider for EVERY potential clients' horse) and that overrides the merit of the good horses you turn out, they aren't people you want for a client anyways.

Best of luck!

Hiya im 5'8 and weigh about 13 1/2 stone now and my section a carrys me well I use to ride him a lot but I mainley drive him I took him out for a ride the other day and I said sorry to him I forgot to mention he is 12hh and is 27 years old.
My old weight was 9 1/4 stone I think middle age spread lmsao has bit me up pardon me the ass.
Many thanks.
Michael.

I ride a Haflinger/Morgan gelding that is way shorter than 14.3 and he's built like a blessed tank. I weigh about what you do, just shorter and he has no trouble at all. I say have fun on her, she shouldn't have any issue at all.

Randella,
What I keep telling my self, and what I firmly believe, is a horse has an easier time carrying a slightly heavy well balanced rider then a thin whispy thing with no balance. I'd always pick a heavier trainer who has a good head on her shoulders then a thin one who misses obvious things or flails around (I do enough flailing around on my horses back for the both of us).

Also, if you've got a horse that's just to small for you an option is using one of your smaller advanced students to work the horse, the student will adore you, the horse gets good work and you can get a different perspective on how it's going (just don't forget to check with the owner first).

And, I highly respect you because you realize you do have limitations (everyone has them, plus size or not). It's a sign of a good trainer to be willing to say "I'm not the right person for you."

Every single person has limitations of some sort. I'm glad you aren't limited in common sense and the courage to follow your dreams. I'd send horses to a larger women. I'd also send mine to you because its obvious you care. Good luck!

When calculating whether or not a horse can carry a rider with no damage to muscles and tendons, you must calculate not only your own weight but that of the saddle and pad. For the average western saddle, 16" seat, the weight is being spread over approx. 460 sq. In. With a well fitting saddle. If the saddle bridges then the ratio changes drastically because half the tree is not supporting the weight. A saddle with no bridging requires a pad of only 3/4" thickness and should be wool for it's properties. If there is bridging a thick pad reduces the amount of contact even more so.